Ithullal: Unveiling The Rich Cultural Dance Of Kerala

Let's dive into the vibrant world of Ithullal, a captivating art form hailing from the beautiful state of Kerala, India. Ithullal is more than just a dance; it's a unique blend of storytelling, satire, and social commentary, all wrapped up in a visually stunning performance.

What is Ithullal?

Ithullal, also known as Ottanthullal, is a performance art that combines dance, poetry, and mime. It is characterized by its witty and satirical commentary on social issues, politics, and human behavior. The artist, known as the thullalkaran, uses expressive gestures, vibrant costumes, and rhythmic movements to narrate stories from Hindu epics and Puranas, often injecting humor and contemporary relevance into the narrative. Think of it as a stand-up comedy routine, but with elaborate costumes and graceful dance moves!

The thullalkaran's performance is accompanied by musicians playing instruments like the mridangam (a type of drum) and cymbals. The music provides a rhythmic backdrop for the dance and enhances the overall dramatic effect. One of the fascinating aspects of Ithullal is its accessibility. Unlike some classical art forms that require extensive training and knowledge, Ithullal is designed to be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their background. The language used is simple, the stories are engaging, and the humor is relatable.

Ithullal serves as a powerful medium for social change. By humorously highlighting societal ills and political corruption, the thullalkaran encourages the audience to reflect on these issues and consider alternative perspectives. It's a way of holding a mirror up to society and prompting people to think critically about the world around them.

The History and Origin of Ithullal

Ithullal boasts a fascinating history, dating back to the 18th century. Legend has it that the renowned poet Kunchan Nambiar created this art form. Frustrated after dozing off while playing the mizhavu (a percussion instrument) during a Chakyar Koothu performance, Nambiar sought to create a new art form that would be more engaging and accessible to the common people. He wanted something that would be both entertaining and thought-provoking, a way to connect with the audience on a deeper level.

Driven by this vision, Kunchan Nambiar developed Ithullal, drawing inspiration from various folk traditions and classical art forms. He incorporated elements of dance, drama, and poetry, creating a unique style that was both captivating and meaningful. The first Ithullal performance is said to have taken place at the Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple in Kerala. The performance was an instant hit, and Ithullal quickly gained popularity throughout the region. People were drawn to its humor, its social commentary, and its accessibility.

Kunchan Nambiar wrote numerous thullal compositions, each telling a different story and addressing various social issues. These compositions became the foundation of Ithullal performances, and they continue to be performed today. Over time, Ithullal evolved and adapted to changing social and political contexts. New stories were added, and the performance style was refined, but the core essence of Ithullal remained the same: to entertain, educate, and inspire.

Different Types of Ithullal

Did you know there are actually three main types of Ithullal? Each one has its own unique style, costume, and rhythm. Let's check them out:

• Ottanthullal: This is the most popular and widely performed type of Ithullal. The thullalkaran wears a colorful costume with elaborate ornaments and a distinctive headdress. The movements are graceful and energetic, and the music is lively and rhythmic. Ottanthullal is known for its witty dialogues and satirical commentary. It's like the rockstar version of Ithullal, the one everyone knows and loves.
• Seethankan Thullal: This style is characterized by its simplicity and seriousness. The thullalkaran's costume is less elaborate than in Ottanthullal, and the movements are more restrained. The music is slower and more melodic, creating a more contemplative atmosphere. Seethankan Thullal often deals with philosophical themes and moral dilemmas. Think of it as the introspective, soulful cousin of Ottanthullal.
• Parayan Thullal: This type of Ithullal is the fastest and most dynamic of the three. The thullalkaran's costume is simple, and the movements are vigorous and acrobatic. The music is fast-paced and energetic, driving the performance forward with relentless energy. Parayan Thullal is known for its rapid-fire dialogues and its emphasis on rhythm and movement. It’s like the energetic, athletic sibling in the Ithullal family.

Each type of Ithullal offers a unique perspective and experience, showcasing the versatility and richness of this captivating art form. Whether you prefer the witty humor of Ottanthullal, the philosophical depth of Seethankan Thullal, or the energetic dynamism of Parayan Thullal, there's an Ithullal performance out there for everyone.

The Significance of Ithullal Costumes and Makeup

The costumes and makeup in Ithullal are not just for show; they're integral to the performance, helping to convey the characters and stories being told. The vibrant colors, intricate designs, and symbolic ornaments all contribute to the overall visual impact and enhance the audience's understanding of the performance.

The costumes in Ithullal are typically made of colorful fabrics like silk and cotton. They are adorned with intricate embroidery, sequins, and beads. The specific design and color of the costume depend on the character being portrayed. For example, a character from the epics might wear a costume with traditional motifs and bright colors, while a contemporary character might wear a costume that reflects modern fashion trends. The thullalkaran generally wears a long skirt, a decorated breastplate, and a highly ornamented headdress.

The makeup in Ithullal is equally elaborate. The thullalkaran uses a variety of colors and techniques to create a dramatic and expressive look. The eyes are often heavily outlined with kohl to emphasize their expressiveness, and the face is painted with bold colors to highlight the character's emotions. The makeup helps to transform the thullalkaran into the character they are portraying, allowing them to fully embody the role and connect with the audience on a deeper level.

In addition to the costumes and makeup, the thullalkaran often wears various ornaments and accessories, such as necklaces, bracelets, and anklets. These ornaments add to the visual appeal of the performance and help to create a sense of grandeur and spectacle. Each element of the costume and makeup is carefully considered and designed to enhance the overall impact of the Ithullal performance.

The Instruments Used in Ithullal

The music in Ithullal is an essential element that provides a rhythmic backdrop for the dance and enhances the overall dramatic effect. The music is typically provided by a small ensemble of musicians who play traditional instruments. Here are some of the key instruments used in Ithullal:

• Mridangam: This is a double-sided drum that provides the main rhythmic accompaniment for the dance. The mridangam player uses their hands and fingers to create a variety of sounds and rhythms, adding depth and complexity to the music.
• Cymbals: These are used to mark the beat and create accents in the music. The cymbal player strikes the cymbals together to create a crashing sound or uses them to create rhythmic patterns.
• Ilatalam: These are small cymbals which maintain the rhythm of the music.
• Thimila: This is a barrel shaped percussion instrument from Kerala. It is made of jackfruit wood.

These instruments work together to create a rich and dynamic soundscape that complements the dance and enhances the overall impact of the Ithullal performance. The musicians are skilled in their craft and work closely with the thullalkaran to create a seamless and engaging performance.

Ithullal Today: Keeping the Tradition Alive

While Ithullal has a rich history, it's not just a relic of the past. Today, dedicated artists and cultural organizations are working hard to keep this vibrant art form alive. They organize performances, conduct workshops, and promote Ithullal to new audiences, ensuring that it continues to thrive for generations to come.

One of the challenges facing Ithullal today is the need to adapt to changing times. While the traditional stories and themes still resonate with audiences, artists are also exploring new ways to incorporate contemporary issues and perspectives into their performances. This helps to keep Ithullal relevant and engaging for modern audiences.

Another important aspect of preserving Ithullal is the training of new artists. Dedicated teachers and institutions are working to pass on the knowledge and skills required to perform Ithullal to the next generation. This ensures that there will always be talented artists who can carry on the tradition.

Ithullal is more than just a dance; it's a cultural treasure that deserves to be celebrated and preserved. By supporting Ithullal performances, attending workshops, and learning about this fascinating art form, we can all play a role in keeping this tradition alive.

So, next time you have the opportunity to see an Ithullal performance, don't miss it! You'll be treated to a captivating blend of dance, music, and storytelling that will leave you entertained, enlightened, and inspired.